Personal Stereos (HiFis)...

[Don Y]

SWMBO has a couple of (identical) \"Personal Stereos\"... you
know, those dinky bookshelf devices that try to LOOK like
they are individual components but its really just one big
sculpted box.

I repaired them regularly (most often the CD changers
but, lately, the (motorized!) volume controls. This is
a waste of my time and a losing proposition -- eventually,
I won\'t be able to resurrect them!

I\'ve been pushing her to use the media server in my automation
system. But, she has been resistant. Today, I figured out
why: she wants to interact with \"it\" using the hand-held
remote control that she\'s used for 30+ years with these
things! (yes, they are THAT old)

[My media server uses more universal INPUT interfaces: speech,
gestures, touch screen, etc. None are apparently as suitable
for operation in a darkened bedroom in the middle of the night!]

And, mine assumes audio output is the prefered means of conveying
information to the user! SWMBO likes a disply -- clock, track
number, etc.

So, I\'ve repurposed a couple of SqueezeBoxes to give me the
hardware display and audio out. Now, need to tweek the
input interface to more closely match *her* remote AND
expectations of the unit.

I figure I can model the CDs (in the changer) as a set of
preselected playlists. Likewise, the two cassette (!)
drives can represent two more. The \"tuner\" selection can
talk to an SDR (with some number of presets, etc.)

No idea how \"AUX\" could be used (yet another playlist?)

Time, alarm, etc. functions are pretty trivial. As is
\"sleep timer\", \"wake to _______\", etc. Programmable
sequences can be done using the existing mechanisms
(keystrokes).

The record function has limited value. In the original
kit, one might want to record (copy) a cassette, CD
or live broadcast. Here, it would really only (?) make
sense for broadcasts.

[OTOH, one could \"record\" as many sessions as desired without
being constrained to a single \"tape\". Managing those (e.g.,
selecting for playback) would have to be an offline task
(like creating/maintaining playlists) perhaps accomplished
with a browser...?]

Display content would be confined to fit within the available
capabilities of the \"emulation hardware\". E.g., having different
indicators (alarm set, sleep timer running, AM/FM/TAPE/CD/etc.)
present on the screen would be a challenge...

Does this cover the bases for other \"personal stereos\"
folks have encountered? Is there anything else I need
to consider?

I\'m ignoring other devices with similar \"remotes\" (e.g.,
AV systems) for the time being...

 

[legg]

On Wed, 3 May 2023 02:28:31 -0700, Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid>
wrote:

SWMBO has a couple of (identical) \"Personal Stereos\"... you
know, those dinky bookshelf devices that try to LOOK like
they are individual components but its really just one big
sculpted box.

I repaired them regularly (most often the CD changers
but, lately, the (motorized!) volume controls. This is
a waste of my time and a losing proposition -- eventually,
I won\'t be able to resurrect them!

I\'ve been pushing her to use the media server in my automation
system. But, she has been resistant. Today, I figured out
why: she wants to interact with \"it\" using the hand-held
remote control that she\'s used for 30+ years with these
things! (yes, they are THAT old)

[My media server uses more universal INPUT interfaces: speech,
gestures, touch screen, etc. None are apparently as suitable
for operation in a darkened bedroom in the middle of the night!]

And, mine assumes audio output is the prefered means of conveying
information to the user! SWMBO likes a disply -- clock, track
number, etc.

So, I\'ve repurposed a couple of SqueezeBoxes to give me the
hardware display and audio out. Now, need to tweek the
input interface to more closely match *her* remote AND
expectations of the unit.

I figure I can model the CDs (in the changer) as a set of
preselected playlists. Likewise, the two cassette (!)
drives can represent two more. The \"tuner\" selection can
talk to an SDR (with some number of presets, etc.)

No idea how \"AUX\" could be used (yet another playlist?)

Time, alarm, etc. functions are pretty trivial. As is
\"sleep timer\", \"wake to _______\", etc. Programmable
sequences can be done using the existing mechanisms
(keystrokes).

The record function has limited value. In the original
kit, one might want to record (copy) a cassette, CD
or live broadcast. Here, it would really only (?) make
sense for broadcasts.

[OTOH, one could \"record\" as many sessions as desired without
being constrained to a single \"tape\". Managing those (e.g.,
selecting for playback) would have to be an offline task
(like creating/maintaining playlists) perhaps accomplished
with a browser...?]

Display content would be confined to fit within the available
capabilities of the \"emulation hardware\". E.g., having different
indicators (alarm set, sleep timer running, AM/FM/TAPE/CD/etc.)
present on the screen would be a challenge...

Does this cover the bases for other \"personal stereos\"
folks have encountered? Is there anything else I need
to consider?

I\'m ignoring other devices with similar \"remotes\" (e.g.,
AV systems) for the time being...

AUX is an analog input to which you can feed audio signals
from other sources. It\'s a good idea not to hook it up
to something permanently, because then it becomes unavailable
for the odd times you actually need it.

You can input (ie plug in) the headphone output of your
phone, media player or any other line-level (or almost)
source, adjust the volume (sometimes waaaayyy up for
headphone levels) and f*** the GUIs or other format/hardware
incompatabilities.

As with all things, you\'ll have to figure out what type of
connector you need on the cable between the two devices.
Sigh.

A nice self-retracting or stylish curly cable hanging off the
front of your mess gives the most versatile access to this feature.

Sometimes on really fancy AV stuff, it\'s equivalent to the unused
jacks labelled \'audio input\', that never seem to get used.

RL

 

[John Larkin]

On Wed, 3 May 2023 02:28:31 -0700, Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid>
wrote:

SWMBO has a couple of (identical) \"Personal Stereos\"... you
know, those dinky bookshelf devices that try to LOOK like
they are individual components but its really just one big
sculpted box.

I repaired them regularly (most often the CD changers
but, lately, the (motorized!) volume controls. This is
a waste of my time and a losing proposition -- eventually,
I won\'t be able to resurrect them!

I\'ve been pushing her to use the media server in my automation
system. But, she has been resistant. Today, I figured out
why: she wants to interact with \"it\" using the hand-held
remote control that she\'s used for 30+ years with these
things! (yes, they are THAT old)

[My media server uses more universal INPUT interfaces: speech,
gestures, touch screen, etc. None are apparently as suitable
for operation in a darkened bedroom in the middle of the night!]

And, mine assumes audio output is the prefered means of conveying
information to the user! SWMBO likes a disply -- clock, track
number, etc.

So, I\'ve repurposed a couple of SqueezeBoxes to give me the
hardware display and audio out. Now, need to tweek the
input interface to more closely match *her* remote AND
expectations of the unit.

I figure I can model the CDs (in the changer) as a set of
preselected playlists. Likewise, the two cassette (!)
drives can represent two more. The \"tuner\" selection can
talk to an SDR (with some number of presets, etc.)

No idea how \"AUX\" could be used (yet another playlist?)

Time, alarm, etc. functions are pretty trivial. As is
\"sleep timer\", \"wake to _______\", etc. Programmable
sequences can be done using the existing mechanisms
(keystrokes).

The record function has limited value. In the original
kit, one might want to record (copy) a cassette, CD
or live broadcast. Here, it would really only (?) make
sense for broadcasts.

[OTOH, one could \"record\" as many sessions as desired without
being constrained to a single \"tape\". Managing those (e.g.,
selecting for playback) would have to be an offline task
(like creating/maintaining playlists) perhaps accomplished
with a browser...?]

Display content would be confined to fit within the available
capabilities of the \"emulation hardware\". E.g., having different
indicators (alarm set, sleep timer running, AM/FM/TAPE/CD/etc.)
present on the screen would be a challenge...

Does this cover the bases for other \"personal stereos\"
folks have encountered? Is there anything else I need
to consider?

I\'m ignoring other devices with similar \"remotes\" (e.g.,
AV systems) for the time being...

If you think about it, music is really weird.

 

[Don Y]

On 5/3/2023 5:52 AM, legg wrote:

On Wed, 3 May 2023 02:28:31 -0700, Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid
wrote:

SWMBO has a couple of (identical) \"Personal Stereos\"... you
know, those dinky bookshelf devices that try to LOOK like
they are individual components but its really just one big
sculpted box.

I repaired them regularly (most often the CD changers
but, lately, the (motorized!) volume controls. This is
a waste of my time and a losing proposition -- eventually,
I won\'t be able to resurrect them!

I\'ve been pushing her to use the media server in my automation
system. But, she has been resistant. Today, I figured out
why: she wants to interact with \"it\" using the hand-held
remote control that she\'s used for 30+ years with these
things! (yes, they are THAT old)

[My media server uses more universal INPUT interfaces: speech,
gestures, touch screen, etc. None are apparently as suitable
for operation in a darkened bedroom in the middle of the night!]

And, mine assumes audio output is the prefered means of conveying
information to the user! SWMBO likes a disply -- clock, track
number, etc.

So, I\'ve repurposed a couple of SqueezeBoxes to give me the
hardware display and audio out. Now, need to tweek the
input interface to more closely match *her* remote AND
expectations of the unit.

I figure I can model the CDs (in the changer) as a set of
preselected playlists. Likewise, the two cassette (!)
drives can represent two more. The \"tuner\" selection can
talk to an SDR (with some number of presets, etc.)

No idea how \"AUX\" could be used (yet another playlist?)

Time, alarm, etc. functions are pretty trivial. As is
\"sleep timer\", \"wake to _______\", etc. Programmable
sequences can be done using the existing mechanisms
(keystrokes).

The record function has limited value. In the original
kit, one might want to record (copy) a cassette, CD
or live broadcast. Here, it would really only (?) make
sense for broadcasts.

[OTOH, one could \"record\" as many sessions as desired without
being constrained to a single \"tape\". Managing those (e.g.,
selecting for playback) would have to be an offline task
(like creating/maintaining playlists) perhaps accomplished
with a browser...?]

Display content would be confined to fit within the available
capabilities of the \"emulation hardware\". E.g., having different
indicators (alarm set, sleep timer running, AM/FM/TAPE/CD/etc.)
present on the screen would be a challenge...

Does this cover the bases for other \"personal stereos\"
folks have encountered? Is there anything else I need
to consider?

I\'m ignoring other devices with similar \"remotes\" (e.g.,
AV systems) for the time being...

AUX is an analog input to which you can feed audio signals
from other sources.

Yes, the actual *connection* is used as such. But, just like
the physical CD player/changer, tape decks, phonograph, etc.
those devices only exist in a virtual sense in my media system.

I.e., selecting CD 1 doesn\'t activate a mechanical changer
but, rather, tells the service to \"begin playlist #CD1\" in
my proposed implementation. The playlist may be an assortment
of tunes that don\'t exist on any REAL CD in the order listed.

Just like pressing PLAY for tape deck #1 won\'t actually move
any magnetic tape but, instead, will cause playlist #TD1 to
begin.

Note that neither of these have to be constrained by the
physical properties of the media they are \"emulating\".
E.g., the \"(virtual) tape\" may be 40 hours long -- much
longer than any REAL cassette!

Selecting the PHONO input (in the soon-to-be-retired HiFi)
won\'t actually cause any vinyl to spin. Yet another
playlist? #PHONO?

Ditto AUX?

It\'s a good idea not to hook it up
to something permanently, because then it becomes unavailable
for the odd times you actually need it.

There is no place where anything can be PHYSICALLY \"hooked up\";
input sources are all virtual. I can source music from files,
other on-line audio sources or from a radio (hence the mapping
for the TUNER control on the remote).

The actual devices that deliver audio to the speakers and
display <whatever> have no other *input* connections:

<https://www.logitech.com/images/pdf/userguides/eng/Logitech_Squeezebox_Classic-ENG.pdf>

You can input (ie plug in) the headphone output of your
phone, media player or any other line-level (or almost)
source, adjust the volume (sometimes waaaayyy up for
headphone levels) and f*** the GUIs or other format/hardware
incompatabilities.

I\'ve not made provisions for this as it would require a physical
interface \"somewhere\". Where? The normal method of \"consuming\"
audio (here) is via overhead/wall-mounted speakers or BT earpieces.
Or, any other supported \"network speaker\" device.

I guess I could add a hook that would allow BT from another
source (e.g., phone) but haven\'t done any of that, yet.

As with all things, you\'ll have to figure out what type of
connector you need on the cable between the two devices.
Sigh.

A nice self-retracting or stylish curly cable hanging off the
front of your mess gives the most versatile access to this feature.

Sometimes on really fancy AV stuff, it\'s equivalent to the unused
jacks labelled \'audio input\', that never seem to get used.

The PHONO and AUX inputs on her \"personal stereos\" have never been
touched. It sort of defeats the purpose of having a SMALL bookshelf
system.

*My* system doesn\'t see a need for \"legacy\" input devices; rip them
once and be done with it. Thereafter, select them virtually instead
of physically. This is essentially how the Squeezeboxes work -- but
they have displays (and take up space!).

Note that their (SB) way of selecting inputs is with layers of menus.
So, you need to be able to READ the display in order to interact
with the device.

By contrast, SWMBO has learned where the \"CD-CHANGER\" button is
located -- along with the \'1\' on the remote\'s keypad. So, she
can press them, in sequence, in the dark to cause CD#1 to
begin playing. Or, turn down the volume when the radio comes
on in the morning to wake her (the radio deliberately chosen
instead of some musical selection as the spoken voices are
more disruptive to continued sleep). etc.

 

[Phil Hobbs]

On 2023-05-03 05:28, Don Y wrote:

SWMBO has a couple of (identical) \"Personal Stereos\"... you
know, those dinky bookshelf devices that try to LOOK like
they are individual components but its really just one big
sculpted box.

I repaired them regularly (most often the CD changers
but, lately, the (motorized!) volume controls.  This is
a waste of my time and a losing proposition -- eventually,
I won\'t be able to resurrect them!

I\'ve been pushing her to use the media server in my automation
system.  But, she has been resistant.  Today, I figured out
why:  she wants to interact with \"it\" using the hand-held
remote control that she\'s used for 30+ years with these
things!  (yes, they are THAT old)

What part of \"Must Be Obeyed\" didn\'t you get?

Cheers

Phil Hobbs

--
Dr Philip C D Hobbs
Principal Consultant
ElectroOptical Innovations LLC / Hobbs ElectroOptics
Optics, Electro-optics, Photonics, Analog Electronics
Briarcliff Manor NY 10510

http://electrooptical.net
http://hobbs-eo.com

 

[John Larkin]

On Wed, 3 May 2023 14:45:13 -0400, Phil Hobbs
<pcdhSpamMeSenseless@electrooptical.net> wrote:

On 2023-05-03 05:28, Don Y wrote:
SWMBO has a couple of (identical) \"Personal Stereos\"... you
know, those dinky bookshelf devices that try to LOOK like
they are individual components but its really just one big
sculpted box.

I repaired them regularly (most often the CD changers
but, lately, the (motorized!) volume controls.  This is
a waste of my time and a losing proposition -- eventually,
I won\'t be able to resurrect them!

I\'ve been pushing her to use the media server in my automation
system.  But, she has been resistant.  Today, I figured out
why:  she wants to interact with \"it\" using the hand-held
remote control that she\'s used for 30+ years with these
things!  (yes, they are THAT old)

What part of \"Must Be Obeyed\" didn\'t you get?

Cheers

Phil Hobbs

It\'s not smart to annoy the goddess.

 

[Don Y]

On 5/3/2023 11:45 AM, Phil Hobbs wrote:

On 2023-05-03 05:28, Don Y wrote:
SWMBO has a couple of (identical) \"Personal Stereos\"... you
know, those dinky bookshelf devices that try to LOOK like
they are individual components but its really just one big
sculpted box.

I repaired them regularly (most often the CD changers
but, lately, the (motorized!) volume controls.  This is
a waste of my time and a losing proposition -- eventually,
I won\'t be able to resurrect them!

I\'ve been pushing her to use the media server in my automation
system.  But, she has been resistant.  Today, I figured out
why:  she wants to interact with \"it\" using the hand-held
remote control that she\'s used for 30+ years with these
things!  (yes, they are THAT old)

What part of \"Must Be Obeyed\" didn\'t you get?

She has resisted every bit of technology -- including the
stuff that she now gleefully embraces! I kid about how
many of MY toys have now, instead, become *HER* toys.

I see this current project as an interim measure until
she realizes the appeal of having a \"stereo\" EVERYWHERE
and not having to carry a \"remote\" around the house to
access/use it!